Sonochemical removal of Pb (II) ions from the water medium using Bi2S3 nanostructres

Removal of heavy metals becomes increasingly crucial for public health and the environment. In this regard, Bi2S3 nanoflowers were produced for heavy metal ion removal applications. Nanoflowers are fabricated using hydrothermal synthesis, and then tested as adsorbents for the removal of lead (Pb2+) ions from aqueous systems. To assess the morphological and chemical characteristics, Bi2S3 nanoflowers were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Flame atomic adsorption spectroscopy (FAAS) was used in the assessment of heavy metal ion recovery. To determine the optimum conditions of the adsorption system, the effect of different parameters such as pH, eluent type and amount, adsorbent dose, adsorbent time, etc. were investigated. For lead removal, the optimum pH value was determined as 5.0, eluent dose and type were found 1 M HNO3. For 20 mL, the optimum adsorbent dose and time were found 50.0 mg, and 30 min, respectively. The adsorption capacity of the Bi2S3 nanoflowers was found to be quite higher than the results reported in similar works. It was illustrated that Bi2S3 nanoflowers have great potential to be used in water remediation applications as sorbent material.